Best Free AI Transcription Tools

Have you ever wished you could focus fully on your meetings or interviews without worrying about taking notes? Free AI transcription tools are here to help. They allow you to transcribe audio into text, so you can capture conversations accurately and save time.

In this article, we’ll explore the top free transcription tools, their features, and how they can deliver results for your audio and video transcription needs.

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Key Features to Look for in a Free AI Transcription Tool

When choosing a free AI transcription software, knowing what features will make the transcription process as smooth and accurate as possible is important. Here are the key features to keep in mind:

Audio and Video File Compatibility

A great transcription tool should support both audio files and video (MP3, MP4, WAV, etc.). The ability to handle multiple file formats makes it easier to transcribe audio from different sources.

Accurate Transcripts

Accuracy is key when transcribing conversations. Look for tools with 95-99% accuracy and use advanced AI to deliver precise results. Features like AI-powered speaker detection and speaker labels make transcripts more organized and reliable.

File Formats for Export

The option to export transcripts in multiple file formats like TXT, SRT, or DOCX is essential for flexibility. This is especially useful for creating subtitles or editing transcripts for different types of online content.

Customizable Settings

Tools with features like foot pedal support or playback speed controls offer more control over the transcription process. These settings can make tasks like editing or reviewing transcripts more efficient.

Free Plan Benefits

Evaluate what’s included in the free plan. Some transcription tools provide advanced features at no cost, while others require upgrades for premium options like faster processing or integration capabilities.

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Best Free AI Transcription Tools

Now that you know what features to look for, let’s explore some of the best free transcription tools available today. Each tool offers unique capabilities that cater to a variety of transcription needs.

1. Tactiq for Remote Meetings

Tactiq is a free AI transcription tool that provides live transcriptions, AI-generated summaries, and actionable insights for your virtual meetings.

• Key Features
  • Real-time transcription for virtual meetings.
  • AI-generated summaries for actionable insights and follow-ups.
  • Customizable prompts to automate tasks like creating meeting notes.
  • New workflow automation for tasks like CRM updates, ticket creation, and team notifications.
  • Speaker identification for clear attributions in transcripts.
  • Integration with tools like Google Docs, Slack, and Notion.
• Free Plan Inclusions
  • 5 AI credits per month for generating insights.
  • 10 meeting transcripts per month.
  • Support for uploading and transcribing audio and video files.
  • Export options in TXT and DOCX formats.
• Platforms
  • Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.
• Best For
  • Teams and professionals who need accurate meeting transcriptions and AI-powered workflows.
  • Users who want to convert audio to text and automate post-meeting actions.

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2. Google’s Speech-to-Text AI

Google’s Speech-to-Text AI provides advanced transcription capabilities, making it a popular choice for converting audio to text. This tool supports real-time and pre-recorded audio transcription and offers flexibility for a variety of use cases.

• Key Features
  • Real-time transcription for live audio streams.
  • Support for over 125 languages and dialects.
  • Customizable settings for domain-specific vocabulary.
  • Speaker diarization to identify different speakers.
  • Noise robustness for accurate transcriptions in challenging environments.
• Free Plan Inclusions
  • 60 minutes of free transcription and $300 in free credits for new users to try Google’s Speech-to-Text API.
• Platforms
  • Accessible via the Google Cloud Platform.
• Best For
  • Developers and businesses looking to integrate transcription capabilities into applications.
  • Users who need high-quality transcriptions for audio and video files, including podcasts, meetings, and interviews.

3. Riverside

Riverside is a platform that allows users to record high-quality audio and video for podcasts, interviews, and online content. With features like AI transcriptions and local recording, smooth and professional results are ensured, even in challenging internet conditions.

• Key Features
  • Studio-quality recording with up to 4K video and 48kHz audio.
  • Local recording to eliminate internet issues and deliver high-resolution content.
  • Separate tracks for each participant for greater control in post-production.
  • AI transcriptions supporting over 100 languages with 99% accuracy.
  • Text-based editing for seamless adjustments by modifying the transcript.
• Free Plan Inclusions
  • 2 hours of separate audio and video recordings per month.
  • Up to 720p video quality.
  • Unlimited single-track recording and editing.
• Platforms
  • Browser-based, accessible on both desktop and mobile devices.
• Best For
  • Podcasters and content creators who require high-quality recordings.
  • Professionals who need accurate AI-generated transcripts and robust editing tools.

4. Restream

Restream, known for its live streaming capabilities, also offers a free AI transcription tool that simplifies converting audio and video files into text. This feature supports multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for users worldwide.

• Key Features
  • Converts audio and video files into text with up to 99% accuracy.
  • Supports various file formats (MP3, WAV, MP4, and AVI).
  • Multi-language transcription in 15 languages, including English, Spanish, and Mandarin.
  • Ensures data privacy by deleting files after the transcription process.
  • User-friendly interface—no software installation or account required.
• Free Plan Inclusions
  • Completely free transcription service for audio and video files.
  • High accuracy in English and support for multiple languages.
• Platforms
  • Browser-based, accessible on desktop and mobile devices.
• Best For
  • Content creators who need quick and accurate transcripts for podcasts or videos.
  • Professionals who transcribe meetings, lectures, or personal voice memos.
  • Users who prioritize privacy as data is deleted after transcription.

5. Auris AI

Auris AI is a web-based platform that offers AI-powered transcription, translation, and subtitling services. Its multilingual support and intuitive editing tools make it perfect for creating accessible content for diverse audiences.

• Key Features
  • Transcription of audio and video files into editable text.
  • Subtitling capabilities to add subtitles to videos for improved accessibility.
  • Multilingual support for transcription and translation in languages like English, French, Spanish, Japanese, and Mandarin.
  • Intuitive editing interface for easy adjustments, similar to a word processor.
  • Export options for transcripts and subtitles in formats like .txt and .srt.
• Free Plan Inclusions
  • 15 minutes of transcription per month.
  • 1 GB of storage.
  • 1 file export/month.
  • 1 file upload/month.
  • 1 GB file size upload/month.
  • With watermark.
• Platforms
  • Accessible via web browsers, compatible with multiple operating systems.
• Best For
  • Content creators who add subtitles to videos or transcribe recordings.
  • Professionals and educators looking for multilingual transcription tools.
  • Users with minimal transcription needs, thanks to the free plan.

6. Krisp.ai

Krisp.ai is an AI-powered tool that improves online communication by eliminating background noise and providing transcription and meeting summary capabilities.

• Key Features
  • AI noise cancellation to remove background noise, any echoes, and even other voices during calls.
  • Real-time transcription of meetings and calls for accurate note-taking.
  • AI-generated meeting notes and summaries to focus on discussions instead of manual note-taking.
  • Automatic meeting recording for reference and review.
  • AI accent localization to adapt accents in real-time for clearer communication.
• Free Plan Inclusions
  • 60 minutes of noise and echo cancellation per day.
  • Unlimited transcriptions.
• Platforms
  • Available on Windows, Mac, and Chrome.
  • Integrates with over 800 communication apps, including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet.
• Best For
  • Professionals and remote workers looking to enhance call audio quality.
  • Teams that need real-time transcriptions and action-ready meeting summaries.
  • Call centers focused on providing clear and distraction-free communication.

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When to Upgrade Your AI Transcription Tool

While free AI transcription tools are useful, there are times when upgrading becomes essential to meet your needs. Here’s when you might consider making the switch:

Increased Volume

If you’re transcribing multiple audio and video files regularly, the limits of a free plan might not suffice. Upgrading provides access to higher or unlimited transcription limits to handle larger workloads. For instance, if you’re transcribing more than 10 meetings or calls per week using a tool like Tactiq, a free plan might fall short. Upgrading ensures you can manage higher volumes without interruptions.

Advanced Features

Paid plans often include premium tools such as faster processing, app integrations, and advanced AI features. Upgrading Tactiq unlocks benefits like unlimited transcripts, AI-powered summaries, team workflows, and auto-sharing transcripts for seamless collaboration.

Professional Requirements

Businesses or professionals needing enhanced accuracy, multi-language support, or customizable workflows can benefit significantly from the expanded capabilities of a paid plan. Examples of customizable workflows include generating action items in project management tools, automatically sending summary emails, and updating CRM records with meeting insights.

Team Collaboration

Upgrading allows teams to share and access transcripts seamlessly. Features like auto-sharing and centralized management ensure alignment on key discussions and decisions.

If your transcription needs start to outgrow a free plan, upgrading can unlock powerful features to streamline and scale your transcription process.

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FAQs

What is the best AI tool for transcription?

Tactiq is a top free choice for transcription, offering real-time transcription, AI-generated summaries, and team workflows. It integrates with platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams, making it ideal for virtual meetings.

What are the best AI transcription tools?

The best AI transcription tools provide features such as real-time transcription, multi-language support, speaker identification, and export options.

Can ChatGPT do transcription?

ChatGPT itself doesn’t transcribe audio, but you can use it alongside transcription tools. For more details, check out our ChatGPT Speech-to-Text Guide.

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Choose the Right AI Transcription Tool

AI transcription tools have transformed how we handle audio and video content, making tasks like meeting notes, podcast transcriptions, and subtitling easier than ever.

As your needs evolve, consider upgrading to a paid plan to unlock advanced options like unlimited transcriptions, AI-driven insights, and enhanced collaboration.